'American Idol' Season 18 winner announced in online finale
Reality singing competition American Idol aired its very first online finale on May 18 and revealed who among the Top 7--Julia Gargano, Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Just Sam, Louis Knight, Francisco Martin, and Jonny West--was declared Season 18 winner.
American Idol / Image Source: goldderby.com
After nationwide voting results were announced, finalists Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Just Sam, Francisco Martin, and Jonny West were named the Top 5.
Dillon James performed “Change the World” by Eric Clapton while Filipino-American Francisco Martin was the second artist to sing, with his rendition of “Adore You” by Harry Styles.
Just Sam sang “Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)” by the first American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson. Arthur Gunn was up next and sang “I Don't Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw. Jonny West finished Round 1 with “You Can't Keep a Good Man Down” by James & Bobby Purify.
In the second round, each artist performed a song that made a mark with viewers. It will also be their first single if they win the finale.
Francisco Martin opened the round and sang a revival of “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers. Just Sam was next and sang “Rise Up” by Andra Day.
Arthur Gunn sang “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, while Jonny West wrapped up Round 2 by singing his original song from his audition, “Makin' Love.”
Former finalist "Garbage Man" Douglas Kiker made a guest appearance along with Rascal Flatts for "Bless the Broken Road." Host and judge Katy Perry also debuted her latest single, "Daisies."
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The Top 2 finalists, Just Sam and Arthur Gunn, were announced by host Ryan Seacrest. Later on, after nationwide voting, Just Sam was announced as the Season 18 winner.
Just Sam, or Samantha Diaz, is a 20-year-old New Yorker who used to sing in subways. She will be joining judge Lionel Richie on an upcoming new recording of “We Are the World” with other American Idol alumni.